It was posted by satirical site The Poke, with the title “There’s a problem with Brighton’s Christmas lights”.

Spoof It shows a sparkling Santa engaged in a sexual liaison in Churchill Square, a gleaming male body part suspended above Western Road, and the words “I hate my job” hidden among the bright lights.

The website claimed it was the work of a fed-up electrician who installed the lights across the city, suggesting: “The person who put up these lights probably won’t be getting a bonus this year.”

However, eagle-eyed viewers soon outed the video as a clever spoof using special effects.

Nick Clegg remix

Earlier this year, The Poke posted a remixed version of an apology speech by Nick Clegg that went into the music charts. Yesterday the Brighton lights video had already been viewed by almost 100,000 people.

On Twitter, it was reposted by Brighton-based pop act Rizzle Kicks and comedians Graham Linehan and Dave Gorman.

As the video went viral, one national newspaper even accused Brighton traders of cooking up the hoax to boost business.

But Gavin Stewart, manager of the city’s Business Improvement District which puts up the city’s lights, denied any involvement.

He said: “It’s nothing to do with us. It’s been taken in good spirit, though.

“The film’s a good laugh and it’s pretty funny. Of course it’s also great for boosting the profile of the city.”

Comments

[deleted]
6:04pm Fri 14 Dec 12

[deleted]

So I can't make a comment about Kitkat and an e-jac-uIating penis (can't believe this word is in your censor list!) but you can run the same story two days on the bounce showing not only an e-jac-uIating penis but a faury giving Santa head?
The one who takes comments down at the Argus is one strange cookie!Algeria Touchshriek

So I can't make a comment about Kitkat and an e-jac-uIating penis (can't believe this word is in your censor list!) but you can run the same story two days on the bounce showing not only an e-jac-uIating penis but a faury giving Santa head?

The one who takes comments down at the Argus is one strange cookie!

Score: 0

Fercri Sakes
6:53pm Fri 14 Dec 12

When I first heard about this I blamed the Greens for such a crude error. Then when I realised that it was local businesses that are responsible for the lights I blamed the Greens for not paying for the lights in the first place.

Then when I found out it was a hoax I blamed the Greens for a whole bunch of other things they're not responsible for instead. Welcome to the comment area everybody!

When I first heard about this I blamed the Greens for such a crude error. Then when I realised that it was local businesses that are responsible for the lights I blamed the Greens for not paying for the lights in the first place.
Then when I found out it was a hoax I blamed the Greens for a whole bunch of other things they're not responsible for instead. Welcome to the comment area everybody!Fercri Sakes

When I first heard about this I blamed the Greens for such a crude error. Then when I realised that it was local businesses that are responsible for the lights I blamed the Greens for not paying for the lights in the first place.

Then when I found out it was a hoax I blamed the Greens for a whole bunch of other things they're not responsible for instead. Welcome to the comment area everybody!

Score: 0

chilliman
10:28am Sat 15 Dec 12

Yes, and I blame the greens for not making Santa wear green instead of red, not giving Rudolph a green nose and not providing Santa with a bus pass or a cycle instead of having to use dumb animals for excessive travel demands. Having tried reindeer sledging in Lapland I can say it's not altogether pleasant being behind a group of f**t**g reindeer - what do they get fed?

I did wonder why parking ticket machines were being fitted to chimneys but soon realised it was to try and balance the books.

Yes, and I blame the greens for not making Santa wear green instead of red, not giving Rudolph a green nose and not providing Santa with a bus pass or a cycle instead of having to use dumb animals for excessive travel demands. Having tried reindeer sledging in Lapland I can say it's not altogether pleasant being behind a group of f**t**g reindeer - what do they get fed?
I did wonder why parking ticket machines were being fitted to chimneys but soon realised it was to try and balance the books.
Before someone takes comments on this site too seriously - lighten up, it's Christmas.
Bah Humbug to everyone.chilliman

Yes, and I blame the greens for not making Santa wear green instead of red, not giving Rudolph a green nose and not providing Santa with a bus pass or a cycle instead of having to use dumb animals for excessive travel demands. Having tried reindeer sledging in Lapland I can say it's not altogether pleasant being behind a group of f**t**g reindeer - what do they get fed?

I did wonder why parking ticket machines were being fitted to chimneys but soon realised it was to try and balance the books.

If Jason hates his job so much he can always fade away into obscurity any time soon please.

If Jason hates his job so much he can always fade away into obscurity any time soon please.NickBrt

If Jason hates his job so much he can always fade away into obscurity any time soon please.

Score: 0

Resident in Hanover
12:06am Fri 21 Dec 12

NickBrt wrote…

If Jason hates his job so much he can always fade away into obscurity any time soon please.

What a delightful thought.

But fear not, it won't be long before the goofy greens are no more.

Sign the epetition on the council website and vote 'no confidence'

[quote][p][bold]NickBrt[/bold] wrote:
If Jason hates his job so much he can always fade away into obscurity any time soon please.[/p][/quote]What a delightful thought.
But fear not, it won't be long before the goofy greens are no more.
Sign the epetition on the council website and vote 'no confidence'Resident in Hanover

NickBrt wrote…

If Jason hates his job so much he can always fade away into obscurity any time soon please.

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